Academic Press Finite Element Method: Physics and Solution Methods

Finite Element Method: Physics and Solution Methods enables the reader to develop a sound understanding of physical systems so that they can get the most out of their use of the finite element method. Nearly all physical systems in the FEM realm are represented by partial differential equations. This book focuses on 1D and 2D elasticity, and 1D and 2D heat transfer problems, with a detailed derivation of the governing equations. The connections between the classical variational techniques and the finite element method are carefully explained. After a chapter addressing the classical variational methods, the finite element method is developed as a natural outcome of these methods where the governing PDE is defined over a sub-segment (element) of the solution domain. As well as being an invaluable guide to thorough and effective use of the finite element method, this book also functions as an authoritative reference on theory of elasticity, heat transfer and mechanics of beams and plates. Review Helps the reader to develop a sound understanding of physical systems so that they can get the most out of their use of the finite element method From the Back Cover <i>Finite Element Method: Physics and Solution Methods</i> enables the reader to develop a sound understanding of physical systems so that they can get the most out of their use of the finite element method. Nearly all physical systems in the FEM realm are represented by partial differential equations. This book focuses on 1D and 2D elasticity, and 1D and 2D heat transfer problems, with a detailed derivation of the governing equations. The connections between the classical variational techniques and the finite element method are carefully explained. After a chapter addressing the classical variational methods, the finite element method is developed as a natural outcome of these methods where the governing PDE is defined over a sub-segment (element) of the solution domain.<br><br>As well as being an invaluable guide to thorough and effective use of the finite element method, this book also functions as an authoritative reference on theory of elasticity, heat transfer and mechanics of beams and plates. About the Author Sinan Muftu is a Professor at the Dept of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering of Northeastern University, Boston, USA and is a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). His research interests include the mathematical modelling of physical systems, and applied mechanics with a specific focus on tribology and biomechanics applications. He has developed numerous finite element and finite difference codes over the years, but also works regularly with commercially available FE codes such as Ansys, COMSOL and Abaqus. He has taught courses on the finite element method and the advanced finite element method to graduates at his institution since 2004, with the aim of always focusing on fundamental knowledge and details of solution methods.